Alumni

What does Catawba College have no other college or university can match? An unwavering commitment to YOU. In fact, our reason for being is to help you discover your full potential and prepare you for graduate school or a job.

Hear from Recent Graduates...

Yolanda McClure '11 majored in Theatre Arts

2011 Catawba alumna Yolanda Kay "Summertime Fine" McClure of Eden, N.C., has been seeing of lot of the world in her new job with Disney Cruise Lines. Since July of 2011, she has worked on the Disney Magic, where she recently became a Youth Activities Entertainment Host. Her position has taken her to ports of call in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic oceans. She says her work requires long hours, but the upside is that she is in great shape and is happy to be working in a position that is so closely related to her major, theatre arts.

Rebecca Chinnis '10 majored in Business (Accounting) and minored in English

One year after graduation, Chinnis earned a Master in Accounting from the College of William and Mary. She now lives in Washington, D.C., working for Grant Thornton as an auditor. Chinnis attributes Catawba's curriculum for her success, stating that it "provided the best education for which I could ask, which then allowed me to stand out among my peers when I went on to William and Mary."

An internship at the Rowan County Register of Deeds Office in Salisbury led to Shane landing a part-time position there after his May graduation. A scant two months after his graduation, his part-time position became fulltime as he was named Deputy Register of Deeds. Although pursuing a master's degree in Public Administration is in his future plans, Shane is currently enjoying his job and all it entails.

Halter holds a position as regional manager for the growing fitness firm TidalWheel, incorporating her passion for both fitness and communications. Halter attributes a huge part of her success to Catawba experience: "I know that without my Catawba education and the kind of personal skills Catawba fostered in me, it's likely I wouldn't be where I am today."

David Idol '09 from Kernersville, N.C., majored in Biology

Idol is employed at the Center for the Environment at Catawba as an intern in the Catawba Energy Corps program. Idol also serves as an adjunct biology lab instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and is an owner/operator at his family's farm, Legacy Farms of Kernersville, N.C. He has served as an organics lab tech with Research & Analytical Laboratories in Kernersville where he did environmental testing.

Danielle Schneider '09 from New Castle, Del., majored in Spanish

Schneider is employed as a Spanish teacher at a private boys' school, Salesianum, in Wilmington, Del. While at Catawba, she was a student-athlete who played field hockey, served as a Catawba Ambassador and was very involved in Wigwam Productions, the students' on-campus programming organization.

Jared S. Kenish '09 from Glassboro, NJ, majors in Theatre Arts with a minor in Dance for Theatre Arts Majors

Kenish was accepted to the Graduate School at Montclair State University for a Master of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Theatre Studies.After attaining his MA degree and gaining some professional credits, he would like to go further with his studies by working for his Doctorate of Philosophy in Theatre. Jared's ultimate goal is to become a college professor of Theatre Arts in order that he might be able to share his knowledge and love for the Theatre to the younger generations hoping to work in the Performing Arts.

Mollie Landers '08 from Williamsport, Pa., majored in religion and philosophy with a concentration in outdoor ministry. She holds an M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and a Masters of Art Theological Studies from Andover Newton

"Academically I've learned a lot about religion and philosophy but I've been able to take what I've learned in my classes and apply it directly to my life and my faith. I'm much more sure of the direction I want my life to take. I have a better understanding of the type of person I want to be, not just in my career but in my community."

David Thomas '08 from Winston-Salem, N.C., was drafted by the Oakland A's in the 14th round of the 2008 MLB draft. He is now playing with the Vancouver Canadians (A League). At Catawba, David played centerfield on the baseball team and earned the College'’s 2008 Kirkland Award for Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year. He was the 2008 South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and a three-time all-league performer. He set school career records for hits, runs and stolen bases.

"I came to Catawba on a baseball scholarship and being a student-athlete helped me mature, build my character, manage my time and learn to deal with situations and obstacles on my own. I learned to be a leader on my team and that thankfully carried over into my classroom work.

My goal in coming to Catawba was to earn my degree and graduate on time in four years. I knew that by playing baseball which is a year-long sport nowadays meeting my goal would be tough, but I was able to do it with the help and support of my professors and coaches."

In 2009, Jon taught English in Jeonju, South Korea. Following his time as an English teacher, Jon pursued an M.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on water science and the integration of science with policy. He married his college sweet heart Aileen Thomson, a 2008 alumna, in 2012. Currently Jon is the director and founder of the NGO Green Communities Consulting, through which he gives pro bono environmental consulting to youth community development practitioners throughout Burma. Follow Jon's personal blog at www.dayinmotion.blogspot.com.

Ryan Dayvault '08 from Kannapolis, N.C. He was elected to the Kannapolis City Council in 2011.

"The Catawba culture enabled me to become involved on campus very easily. Through campus organizations such as the SGA, Alpha Chi Honor Society, Order of the Blue and White, Political Science Association, Phi Epsilon Honor Society, and the College Republicans, I was able to serve in leadership positions in several of the groups, even with a 30-minute commute. The Catawba community invites all students, regardless of residential status, to be involved with campus organizations that all lead to greater fellowship and lifetime friendships."

Meagan Kittle '08 from Winchester, Ontario, earned a full tuition fellowship to attend N.C. State University in Raleigh, N.C., and pursue a master's degree in rhetoric and composition.

"Jumping into the various clubs and activities that Catawba offers allowed me to meet students I wouldn't otherwise have met in my courses or on a team. I felt like a contributing member on campus right from the start. I was also lucky to cultivate some great friendships and develop some important skills that I might not have learned in class. I feel that I got so much more out of my education this way!"

Shane Timmons '08 majored in history, played football and was a Catawba Ambassador during his years at Catawba. He is now employed as a 10th grade civics teacher at Randleman High School in Randleman, N.C.

"The education I received at Catawba will define me as a person and a professional. I learned how to be a good man and a hard worker through challenging professors. I base my ideas on character, discipline, hard work, and friendship from the coaches, teachers, and friends I made in my time there. The well-rounded, liberal-arts education provided by my alma mater will serve as invaluable tool in my teaching career. I thank all of my Catawba family. Catawba will always be home."

Tiffany Cox '07 majored in theatre arts, is currently living in Chicago Ill. She has opened an African American Theatre Company called UPROOTED Theatre in Milwaukee, Wis. that does six shows per season. Tiffany also writes for an online newspaper called Examiner.com as their National Pick Up Examiner. Her articles from this site are currently being adapted into a one-woman show that will be taken to Europe in the coming year.

"Catawba gave me several opportunities to meld my diverse interests. I was able to practice Spanish by teaching Hispanic children choreography for a semester and the following semester I did an independent study on Theatre in Spain. Through such experiences, The Pacific Conservatory of The Performing Arts in Santa Maria, Calif. hired me due to my acting abilities and my knowledge of the Spanish language."

Hilah Teague '07 from Southern Pines, N.C., majored in Communication Arts and was involved with SGA, the school newspaper, and photography.

"I am very grateful for the education that I received at Catawba. It has prepared me not only to continue my education, but also to function as a member of society. The social and life skills that I gained along with my degree have helped shape me into the person I am today."

Dennis Reed '06 majored in Music with a concentration in music management.

The first place winner of the BMI Foundation's 9th Annual John Lennon Scholarship Awards in 2006, Dennis served as Catawba College's Young Artist in Residence for the 2006-2007 academic year. He currently serves as CEO/Founder of Inspire The Fire, Inc., a non-profit organization that reaches out to youth by way of the arts, and he continues performing and songwriting. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Catawba, directing the College Gospel Choir (Divine Unity).

Kristan Higgins '06 majored in political science with an emphasis in the American Political Experience. She earned her master's degree in public administration from American University. After working on Capitol Hill and serving as a deputy campaign manager for a D.C. councilwoman, she is currently a management analyst with the Office of Asset Enterprise Management for the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs.

"Attending a small institution such as Catawba allowed me to grow academically and personally through the mentorship of my professors during my four years. They helped prepare me for a career in public service and guided me in my decisions when selecting a master's program and graduate school. Professors at Catawba challenge you to think critically in every aspect of your studies, demand quality performance and high achievement, and expand your abilities to succeed in the work place and your personal life. Still today, I often contact my professors for advice as well as update them on my successes in Washington, D.C."

Ashley Wilhelm '05 from Cleveland, N.C., now pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular pathobiology on a full scholarship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C.

"I enjoyed every bit of the time that I spent at Catawba. The small class sizes in the sciences allowed me to receive hands-on experience in a variety of areas. The guidance of my professors and the research experience that I gained while at Catawba were instrumental in my acceptance into graduate school. I would not be where I am today had I not received such an excellent education at Catawba."

Connor Coleman '05 majored in Environmental Science and is now pursuing a Master's of Environmental Management (MEM) Degree in Ecosystem Science and Conservation as well as a Master of Forestry (MF) Degree in Forest Resource Management at Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University. Named National Co-President of SAFE in 2009. He hopes to complete his coursework in 2010.

"I get to do all week what people aim to do on the weekend — hiking, kayaking, and even horseback riding. One of the great things about working for a non-profit is that you do it because you're passionate about it. There are a lot of obstacles in my field — people don't get the importance of maintaining thez environment and there's a lot of opposition, but it's a challenge. I aspire to really be somebody and I want to give back."

Photo at Right: Connor spent the summer of 2008 working for the U.S. Dept. of Defense on the Defense Coastal/Estuarine Research Program (DCERP) at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune.

Monisha Smith '04 from Wilmington, Del., majored in political science and was Student Government Association president; Earned her master's degree in journalism from Georgetown University.

After leaving Catawba, she worked on a Presidential campaign, then went to for the U.S. Senate serving as staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business. She is currently a senior government affairs specialist for a large health care association.

"Catawba College made me grow up and helped me go to a different level. When I make my millions, it's all going to Catawba — for the experience I had ... for the memories I made ... for everything I learned.

I wouldn't change a thing. Catawba really was the perfect fit for me. It made me who I am, and I am ready."

Jesse Howes '04 majored in athletic training. In 2006, he earned his Master's of Health Science Degree from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. He works as a physician's assistant in emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery in Manchester, Conn.

"Catawba is a truly wonderful institution that has a great since of community. Catawba allowed me to flourish academically and taught me how to be a leader. Catawba allowed me to blend seamlessly academics, athletics and student activities without having to sacrifice the things I enjoyed. It's a great institution that is largely responsible for my success."

Kate Merrell Morris '04majored in Accounting. While in college, Kate founded and now owns and operates Katydid Designs, a line of grosgrain ribbon bags, belts and accessories. The Katydid line, which is manufactured in West Palm Beach, Fla., is sold in over 50 retail boutiques throughout the eastern U.S., and Katydid Designs also participates in area trunk shows and shopping events.

"If I had gone to a state university, I never would have gotten the education I realized here. In my sophomore year, I went to Florence, Italy, with Dr. McAllister. As a junior, I was an accounting intern for a fashion company in London. And it was in a small business class with Dr. Hiatt that I wrote the strategic plan for my business. Plus, I never made a trip home without my car full of friends."

Maurice Price '03majored in Business Administration (emphasis in Information Systems)

Maurice Price is a 2003 Catawba graduate who majored in business administration with a concentration in information systems. He earned his Master's of Information Technology degree from UNC Charlotte in 2008 and is employed as a systems analyst with the City of Salisbury.

Jasika Nicole Pruitt '02majored in Theatre Arts

Employed as an actress on the network television series "Fringe," and has worked as an actress in the feature film, "Take the Lead," with Antonio Banderas. Also works as an illustrator, comic book writer and handbag designer.

Andrew Ross '02majored in Musical Theatre

Ross received an award to commemorate RIAA Certified Gold Sales of More than 500,000 Copies of Lava/Atlantic Records Album, Cassette, and C.D. "Beethoven's Last Night." He is currently singing on the West Coast tour of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and will be performing on the upcoming Trans-Siberian Orchestra Album, "Night Castle." Visit his website at www.andrewmross.com.

Jonathan Slaughter '00from Whitsett, North Carolina, majored in biology and minored in both chemistry and history.

Slaughter earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University and was a pediatrics resident at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He is now employed as a neonatal fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio.